For Immediate Release:
Friday, Feb. 5, 2021
Contact:
Lee Francis, Deputy Director
lfrancis@valcv.org | (434) 989-3197
RICHMOND – Today, the House of Delegates voted to pass House Bill 1979 a bill to provide upfront rebates for electric vehicles to qualifying customers, completing passage of a suite of legislation that will increase availability electric vehicles in Virginia (House Bill 1965), and expand vehicle charging infrastructure (House Bill 2282). These measures now advance to the Senate where they will need to pass in order to proceed to Governor Northam’s desk.
In response to today’s vote, Michael Town, executive director of Virginia LCV, issued the following statement:
“Virginia is well on its way to taking serious action to address our largest source of climate pollution – the cars we drive every day. By advancing this suite of legislation, pollution-free cars will be easier to buy, own and drive, and Virginians will be able breathe cleaner air. We are grateful for the leadership of our colleagues in the House and urge the Senate to waste no time getting these bills across the finish line and to the Governor’s desk.”
Background: Carbon emissions from the transportations sector account for nearly half of Virginia’s total carbon output, making it by far the largest contributor to climate change in the Commonwealth. The bulk of this pollution comes from passenger vehicles – the cars, light-duty trucks and SUVs that we drive on a daily basis. This pollution is also fatal – killing nearly the same number of people that die in car accidents every year – and disproportionately impacts low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.
About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.
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